We are seeking an experienced leader to serve as the Department's Geographic Information Officer within the Biogeographic Data Branch. This position is responsible for overseeing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) functions for the Department, developing department policy to meet mandatory requirements related to data acquisition and governance, coordinating unoccupied aerial systems (UAS) activities within the Department, supervising staff and guiding staff development, overseeing strategic planning and program budgeting, and program administration.
This role directs a team of data specialists in advanced analysis, visualization, and reporting to support natural resource protection and statewide policy implementation. The position is responsible for planning, organizing, and conducting studies which affect programs or systems development at the GIS Service Center and within Department Branches and Programs.
The position will collaborate with various partners inside and outside the Department, providing technical expertise and representing the Department in complex, multidisciplinary policy and data initiatives. Ideal candidates bring expertise in data management, geospatial applications, organizational leadership, and a commitment to fostering an inclusive, innovative, and high-performing team.
Research Data Manager: Exam Bulletin Link
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions This position will work out of the the building at 1700 9th Street, downtown Sacramento, and offers the possibility of a hybrid telework agreement based on the Department's current Telework Policy. The position will be required to commute to the headquarters location per the candidate's ongoing regular schedule. The duties of this position are primarily conducted indoors in a professional office environment, in a climate-controlled cubicle which may fluctuate in temperature and is under artificial light. The position involves sitting most of the time but requires walking or standing occasionally. Required to use a computer, mouse, keyboard, and will be required to sit for long periods of time at a computer screen. The position entails some occasional field work or visiting other Department offices, Field work will require a uniform. Must be able to focus for long periods of time, multi-task, adapt to changes in priorities and complete tasks or projects with short notice. Occasional travel up to 10% is required via private or public transportation.
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
Additional Documents - Job Application Package Checklist
- Duty Statement
Position Details Job Code #:
JC-507079
Position #(s):
565-037-5740-001
Working Title:
Research Data Manager
Classification:
RESEARCH DATA MANAGER $10,050.00 - $11,410.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Department Information Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) employees are committed to managing and protecting California's diverse wildlife and the habitats upon which they depend.
California is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. As such, CDFW values diverse employees working together to protect nature for all Californians. CDFW is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where all backgrounds, cultures and personal experiences can thrive and connect others to our critical mission.
Join us and begin a meaningful new career!
Department Website: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov
Special Requirements - Ability to provide quality control, evaluate situations accurately, take effective action, and learn and apply knowledge of administrative policies or procedures.
- Ability to prioritize workload and adapt to organizational change.
- Ability to think strategically , creatively , and collaborate.
- Open-mindedness to new processes and procedures.
- Ability to receive and implement feedback, and tact in providing recommendations necessary to achieve shared goals and objectives.
Application Instructions Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 2/20/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s).
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Department of Fish and Wildlife
HRB Mailing Address
Attn: Human Resources Branch
P.O. Box 944209
Sacramento , CA 94244
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Fish and Wildlife
Closed Drop Off Location
Human Resources Branch
Temporarily Closed
See Filing Instructions
Sacramento , CA 95814
Please Note: Drop-off location may be non-operational on weekends and holidays.
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
- Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
- Resume is required and must be included.
- Statement of Qualifications -
A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ ) is required . Please see below for SOQ instructions. Failure to include the SOQ will result in an incomplete application submission.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
- Experience in use of advanced systems.
- Experience in methodologies, and best practices related to data tools and systems.
Benefits Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
Contact Information The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Department Website: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Carie Battistone
(916) 216-1608
Carie.Battistone@wildlife.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
Civil Rights Office
(916) 902-9211
civilrights@wildlife.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Filing Instructions You must reference Position Number 565-037-5740-001 and RPA Number E-BDB 25-003 in the Examination(s) or Job Title(s) for Which You Are Applying section of the State Application Form (Std. Form 678). Applications that do not list the Position Number and RPA Number may not be considered.
It is recommended that Application Packages be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at https://jobs.ca.gov . If applications are mailed, we recommend applications are sent certified mail as we are unable to verify receipt.
Applications that do not follow the Filing Instructions may not be considered.
This advertisement may be used to fill additional vacancies for this JC.
Resume - Resumes will be reviewed in addition to the STD 678 for employment history. Resumes must include the complete to and from dates (MM/DD/YYYY) and hours worked per week.
Statement of Qualifications The Statement of Qualification (SOQ) is a narrative that serves as documentation of candidate's ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. Responses must be no more than three (3) pages in length, size 12-point Arial font and address the following questions. Grammar, spelling, and punctuation will also be factors in evaluating the SOQ.
1. The Research Data Manager is responsible for supporting Department-wide GIS services and tools to augment data-driven decision-making. Please describe your experience and knowledge of geographic information systems (GIS) and data analysis products/tool, including your experience leading GIS related projects and/or analyses.
2. This position will supervise a diverse team of data specialists. Please describe your management style, with a special focus on methods you have used to keep forward movement on program goals and achievements, while fostering an atmosphere of inclusion, equity and inspiration. In your response, include your role, the actions you took, challenges you encountered, and the outcomes achieved.
3. This role may entail setting priorities and guiding GIS functions across the state. Please describe how you would work with partners and other Department staff, across various disciplines and technical skills, to meet common goals and address differences in goals.
Equal Opportunity Employer The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.
